News from library authorities:
BURY
Recently it seems that I have mostly been focussing on planning events for our 'Pages Ago' promotions. I'm delighted that we will be welcoming Jo Bell to Bury Archives to deliver a poetry and writing session based around our own 'Cures, Curses and Potions'. We are also excited that Sarah Hymas will be working with local carers to turn their memories of times gone by into their own historical fictions. Additionally Bury Art Gallery will be hosting a 'Cracking History' event where collectors can explore the stories behind their antiques and learn how best to take care of them.
Bury Libraries Reading Groups have had lots of interesting new books to read as a result of shadowing the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. We had three weeks to read and review a selection of titles from the list and readers rose to the challenge admirably, we agreed that the winner of the prize 'Philippe Claudels's 'Brodeck's Report' was worthy of the accolade as it was beautiful, original and sad. We were also very pleased to receive copies of 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett and Yann Martel's new book Beatrice and Virgil. Bury Reading Group enjoyed 'The Help' very much and sent reviews back to the publishers. They are now reading 'Beatrice and Virgil' and finding it very different to the 'Life of Pi'.
As part of Bury Libraries ongoing 'Fulfilling Their Potential' project, a group of teens from Whitefield and Tottington Libraries enjoyed a trip to Waterstones in Manchester to purchase books for their respective libraries' stock. The young people all attend either Reading Groups or Homework Clubs at the libraries (in some cases both) and they were very keen to make sure that their opinions are evident on the libraries' shelves.
They were given a budget and were asked to consider whether what they were choosing was attractive, appropriate and affordable. The group were very enthusiastic and chose responsibly and the money was quickly spent. The selection was wide-ranging including, but not limited to vampire fiction, non-fiction about fashion, football and art, classics, graphic art and Manga.
It was a wonderful day and Waterstones were very welcoming, providing drinks for everyone. The young people are looking forward to seeing their choices on the library shelves and staff enjoyed seeing the group get so animated about what great reads they thought their peers would enjoy.
In coming months we will work further with this group to encourage them to act as advocates for the library service, involving them in planning special teen events and consulting with them to ensure that the service we provide is the one that they need. In the meantime, they have an attractive collection of the best in young adult publishing and a lasting memory of a day well spent.
For more information about any event at Bury Libraries, please contact:
Alison Bond McNally Tel:0161 253 7345
Email A.E.Bond@bury.gov.uk
or visit our website at:
